83 parents enrolled in Grand Rapids schools new Parent University

Parents cheer during the Parent University launch on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center. The program, a partnership between Grand Rapids schools and Believe 2 Become, is one of the district's new parent engagement tools offering free classes in four categories: Effective Parenting, Personal Growth and Development, Navigating the Educational System, and Health and Wellness. Emily Zolads MLive.com

They are signing up for one or more of the free 205 classes that offer support and answers to questions that include: Do you know what to expect when your child transitions from elementary to middle school? How can you help your child use different learning styles to study and learn effectively?

PU, one of a handful in the country, was launched in September. The program, a partnership with Believe 2 Become, is focused on four areas that support parents: Effective Parenting, Personal Growth and Development, Navigating the Educational System, and Health and Wellness.

Classes, now underway, are being held at various district school sites by Grand Rapids teachers and B2B program experts. The facilitators are volunteering their time.

Mel Atkins II, executive director of community and student affairs for GRPS, said the top classes are: Managing Behavior and Promoting Self-Discipline: PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support); Khan Academy: English; Helping Your Child Make the Right Decisions; and Zumba.

"We want to support our parents in ways that empower them to become advocates for student learning and school improvement," said Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal, a district grandparent who is registered for two classes, including Zumba.

Parents in a series of a community meetings requested the program.

Classes are planned for three trimesters. The first class kicked off Oct. 2, "Helping Your Student Make the Right Decision," under the effective parenting category.

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, "The Importance of Attendance" will be taught at Innovation Central High School, 421 Fountain St. NE, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 8, parents can attend a "Healthy Lifestyle" course at Sibley Elementary, 943 Sibley St. SE, from 6 to 7 p.m.

GRPS has set aside $105,000 for this parent engagement initiative that has been marketed through catalogs, videos, and post cards.

The B2B funding collaborative, which includes the Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation, the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation is supporting parent engagement activities that include not only the university but the Parent Teacher Community Council and Parent Engagement Collaborative at a budgeted $300,000.

To register and for more detailed course information visit the Parent University website. Parents can also call call Kathy Curry at 616-819-2133 or Jan Wilkins at 616-819-1977 with the district.